Gov. Bob Ferguson recently unveiled a plan to steer $3 billion of additional funding into preserving the state’s roads and bridges and building three new ferries over the next decade. The proposal is included in the Governor’s 2026 Supplemental Transportation Budget. Because the state’s budgets are on a 2-year basis and enacted in odd numbered years, this is a supplemental budget that updates what was passed last year. Often the supplemental budget includes only minor tweaks, so a $3 billion infusion is unusual but is appropriate given the huge backlog in preservation the state is facing.
Ferguson would raise the money through borrowing, with the sale of bonds backed by proceeds from the new and increased taxes (such as the 6-cent gas tax increase) approved last year.
“These investments are not going to fix every single aging bridge or address every road statewide, not close,” Ferguson said. “But the neglect we’ve seen over years means we have a big backlog. Climbing any mountain starts with the first step. That’s what we’re doing here.”
Highlights of the proposal:
- $1.1 billion in bridge preservation – This investment will support the repair and preservation and extend the life of at least 10 high-risk bridges across the state that provide key connections for travelers and the economy.
- Nearly $1 billion in paving projects over the next 10 years, including $164 million this summer.
- $160 million for other infrastructure, preservation and maintenance, such as…
- Slopes – Stabilizing slopes to prevent slides and help minimize impacts to the traveling public and communities from unplanned closures.
- Culverts – Supports culverts that have been identified or failed since the culvert replacement list was developed in 2013 as part of a court injunction.
- Guardrails and signs – These are critical to the safety of our system. This investment will repair and replace guardrails across the state.
- Facility updates to keep our state facilities safe for employees.
- $1 billion investment in Washington State Ferries to support the purchase of three new vessels and preserve the existing fleet.
It is important to note that the Governor’s proposal is just a proposal…ultimately the Legislature will pass a supplemental budget. Reviews of the proposal within the Legislature are mixed.
“I’m excited the Governor is proposing the Preserve Washington fund, providing $3 Billion over 10 years dedicated to preservation and maintenance for our entire Transportation system,” said Sen. Marko Liias (D-21), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Funding for preservation and maintenance must be a long-term budget commitment, not a one-time decision.”
Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-2), Ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee, said he’s opposed to the added borrowing. “We do have the capacity, but it’s not the right thing to do. I think he’s going to have trouble getting it through the Legislature.”
Rep. Barkis is a proponent of using Climate Commitment Act (CCA) dollars for preservation. Last year he introduced HB 1324 which aims to redirect excess revenues from the CCA toward urgent road projects. More recently he introduced HB 2149 which would declare the Fairfax Bridge closure an emergency and direct funding to come from the CCA. Current law prevents CCA funds from being spent on most transportation projects. AGC supports easing that restriction.
Meanwhile, the Governor also proposed his Supplemental Capital Budget. Within that he seeks an additional $244 million for the Housing Trust Fund. It includes $81 million to develop nearly 2,000 new affordable housing units, $73 million to build over 600 units for first-time homebuyers, and $20 million to acquire and preserve mobile and manufactured home communities. There is also $6 million to speed up development by “modernizing permitting systems.”
The proposed spending would largely come from state bonds. A small amount is included in the operating budget proposal and some money from carbon auction proceeds under the CCA.
For more information contact AGC Chief Lobbyist Jerry VanderWood.